London hosts some of England's most prestigious traditional gentlemen's clubs. The concept of a gentlemen's club began as a place where a man could socialize with his peers over cards or a drink without the interruption of his wife, children or obligations at any hour of the day. Yet, many of these clubs became much more than fraternal havens. Over the years, future prime ministers gathered political support, the peerage discussed advantageous marriage alliances and discussion halls formed in the sanctity of the gentlemen's club.
History of Gentlemen's Clubs
The first traditional gentlemen's clubs were established as early as the late seventeenth century but these types of clubs were most popular in the nineteenth century. Many of the early clubs were located around St. James in the West End of London.
Early clubs were game clubs and many focused on gambling, which was illegal at the time. The club provided a safe place to gamble. Cards, parlor games and betting books were popular. During this time period, most members were aristocrats.
In the late eighteenth century, many clubs functioned as both gambling clubs and arenas of debate. The clubs gradually took over the coffee house's role of providing a venue for men to debate current political and social issues.
Some clubs provided rare delicacies to members such as chocolates and exotic coffees. In fact, the club, White's, began as a private establishment called Mrs. White's Chocolate House, where the London elite could enjoy rare chocolate delicacies and political debate.
By the nineteenth century, the number of clubs increased dramatically and began to include more members of common birth who had attained a gentlemen's status through education and wealth. Clubs became a social necessity for anyone considered a gentleman. Clubs formed around interests in games, horses, sports, literature, arts, trades and politics. Yet, some clubs remained closed to anyone in a trade or without aristocratic bloodlines.
Many clubs during this time period provided parlor games, gambling, meals, rooms for overnight stays and athletic activities. Generally business topics were not discussed unless the club formed around a trade. However, some business topics were frequently discussed and gambled over such as property issues dealing with land and horses.
Politics and Gentlemen's Clubs
Many gentlemen's clubs were formed around political parties and some still retain these party associations today. Clubs provide forums for gathering party support and debating current political issues. Gentlemen's clubs that focused on politics were popular after the Napoleonic War. In addition, the Reform Acts of 1832, 1867 and 1885 gave voting rights to more men. With increased privileges more men sought out private political club memberships.
Some of England's political leaders were active in club life. The Carlton Club was founded by a group of Tory Parliament members and remains conservative. The Reform Club, was founded by Liberal party members and is now considered Social. Members are still requires members to sign a declaration that follows the principles of the Reform Act of 1832. Whig party members formed Brooks's, which offered gambling, leisure activities and political discussions to members.
Modern Gentlemen's Clubs
Traditional gentlemen's clubs are still around today, although some have gone coed. Modern clubs offer social and business networking opportunities for upper class men. Although traditional clubs have declined in influence, a number of clubs still boast many of the UK's most powerful men as members. The future king of England, Prince Charles, is a member of White's.
Sources:
Margetson, Stella, Regency London, Prawger Publishers, Inc. 1971
Hughes, Kristine, The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England From 1811-1901, Writer's Digest Books 1998
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